DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Florida Southern College prepares physical therapy practitioners through dynamic engaged learning experiences and equips them with skills to provide patient-centered, evidence based care.

** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

*** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement. Our TOEFL minimum is a 79. The IELTS minimum is a 6.5.

DPT - Doctor of Physical TherapyDelivery Options

A high quality physical therapy doctoral program in central Florida designed to meet your professional goals to be the best physical therapist.

On-Campus

State-of-the-art physical therapy practice labs and classrooms can accommodate up to 36 students.

Top Reasons

Small Classes

Our DPT classes are all face-to-face
and limited to just 36 students. In this intimate setting, you’ll have the benefit of hands-on learning and extra attention from your professors.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Florida Southern College has invested millions of dollars in constructing brand new classrooms and laboratories featuring the most up-to-date physical therapy technology and equipment.

Expert Faculty

All of our eight full-time school of physical therapy faculty members have unique specialty expertise in such areas of orthopedics, musculoskeletal, or cardio pulmonary physical therapy.

Earn a DPT Degree That is Invaluable

You’ll build the skills and experience necessary to launch a successful physical therapy career in one of the nation’s top-rated, fastest-growing professions.

Total Estimated Costs (28 months)

Cost for Tuition for the 28-month program*: $104,760 (actual tuition paid at the beginning of each semester based on $970 per credit hour).

Books and Supplies: $4,500

Room: $28,000 (based on $1000/month for 28 months)

Board: $11,200 (based on $400/month)

ExamSoft Testing: $165 ($55/year)

APTA Membership: $270 ($90/year)

Student Equipment Bag: $100 (one-time fee)

Transportation**: $5,000

Miscellaneous/Personal: $3,150

Background Check for Clinical Sites***: $250

Estimated Total Cost of the Program: $157,395

*Tuition paid at the beginning of each year.
**Estimated transportation costs may vary for student clinical education practicum based on the clinical site location.
***Estimated according to clinical site requirement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the timeline to know if I’m accepted into the program?

Our program will accept applications through our deadline in February of each year. Our program plans to have on-site interviews in March and April, with invitations being extended at least 3 weeks in advance. All applicants will be required to attend an on-campus interview in Lakeland, Florida. After the interview, applicants should be notified of an admissions decision within 2-4 weeks.

What is your expected class size?

Our class size is planned to be a maximum of 36 students per cohort. Since the average class size for a DPT program is 46 students (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service 2016- 2017 Applicant data: A report of the American Physical Therapy Association, December 2017), we feel that this sets our program apart and will create a more optimal learning environment for our students.

Accreditation?

Effective 5/15/19, Florida Southern College School of Physical Therapy has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 863.680.5126 or email nnuzzo@flsouthern.edu. Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation and may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Candidate for Accreditation is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation.

What sets your program apart from other DPT programs?

One of the innovative parts of our curriculum is the Integrated Professional and Community Education (IPCE). The purpose of the IPCE course series is to provide students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned during didactic coursework while meeting essential community needs. On a weekly basis, all of our students will provide volunteer services at one of four community organizations the program partners with. This is a unique opportunity that exposes the students to work with patients/clients across the lifespan, within the environment in which they live, work and age; and better prepares them to deliver physical therapy services that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse and evolving society.

Do you have any out of state clinical opportunities?

Yes, we have clinical agreements with many states throughout the United States. Additionally, if you have a specific area or location that you would like for your clinical practicum, we are very open to facilitating a new agreement that would be a good fit for the program and the student. Please feel free to discuss this more with our Director of Clinical Education, Dr. Christine Morgan.

CAPTE Statement

Effective 5/15/19, Florida Southern College School of Physical Therapy has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 863.680.5126 or email nnuzzo@flsouthern.edu.

Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation and may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Candidate for Accreditation is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation.

How to Apply

Apply today to start next term on Monday, August 17, 2020

Students are advised to submit applications as early as possible to assure optimal admission and financial aid considerations. Applications are handled by the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

*** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement. Our TOEFL minimum is a 79. The IELTS minimum is a 6.5.